Can felons go to the Bahamas? Yes, you shouldn’t run into any problems with Bahama’s immigration officials, but there are some exceptions!
Planning a trip to the Bahamas is exciting, but if you or someone in your group has a felony, it’s smart to double-check the entry requirements before booking your tickets.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about traveling to the Bahamas with a felony on your record.
Can Felons Go To The Bahamas in 2024? Key Takeaways
No Disclosure of Criminal History: The Bahamas immigration form doesn’t ask about convictions, and unless there’s a specific reason for concern, immigration officers are unlikely to ask about your criminal history.
Financial Means and Return Plans: Bahamian immigration officials are more interested in whether you’ve got enough money for your stay and a return ticket to the U.S.
Travel Clearance: As long as you’re not on parole or probation, you’re free to enter unless notification of your crime has been sent to the Bahamas (rare for most felony cases).
Passport Validity: Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months to avoid potential issues at customs or immigration.
Can You Go To The Bahamas With A Felony?
The good news is yes, felons can visit the Bahamas. For U.S. felons traveling to the Bahamas, all you need is a valid passport. You don’t even need a visa for stays under 8 months. However, there are some important conditions to be aware of:
- You must have completed your sentence.
- Registered sex offenders may not be allowed to enter (more on this below).
- Felons flagged by Interpol may be denied entry.
If you’re a U.S. non-citizen resident with a Green Card (Alien Registration Card), you can only visit the Bahamas visa-free for up to 30 days. If you want to stay longer, you’ll need to apply for a visa and disclose your felony conviction.
Does The Bahamas Immigration Card Ask About Criminal History?
Felons often worry about being asked to disclose their criminal record on entry forms. Fortunately, the Bahamas Entry Card doesn’t include any questions about past convictions and only asks for basic personal information and details about your trip.
Here’s the entry card currently in use: https://www.immigration.gov.bs/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Entry-Card.jpg
Are There Any Restrictions for Felons Traveling To The Bahamas?
You can’t travel to the Bahamas while you’re on parole or probation. The Bahamas prohibits entry for anyone still under a community supervision order. You’ll need to wait until your supervision period ends before taking your trip.
Some very serious crimes are reported to Interpol who issue Green Notices to inform countries of an offender’s arrival. While most felons won’t be on Interpol’s list, be prepared for the possibility of extra questions and checks at immigration.
Restrictions For Registered Sex Offenders
Can felons go to Bahamas with a sex offender conviction? If you have to register as a sex offender, traveling to the Bahamas is more complicated.
The U.S. Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA), requires registered sex offenders to disclose international travel plans at least 21 days before departure. Official pass this information and details of your sex offender status to the country you’re planning to visit.
Sex offenders convicted of offenses against minors also have a notice in their passport identifying them as a child sex offender.
So, even though the Bahamas immigration form doesn’t ask about criminal history, immigration officials may take you aside for an interview. Entry is at their discretion.
To avoid being turned back upon arrival in the Bahamas, you can get advice from the Department of Immigration. According to the Bahamas High Commission, you should contact:
Address: Director of Immigration, Immigration Department, P.O. Box N – 831, Nassau the Bahamas
Phone: 1 242 322 7530
Email: CLASSIFIEDREGISTRYSECTION@BAHAMAS.GOV.BS
Website: https://www.bahighco.ca/non-bahamians/faq/
Provide the following information:
- Date of entry and exit
- Length of stay
- Address you’ll be staying at
- Details of your conviction (offense, sentence, current status)
- Proof of completed sentence
What You’ll Need Upon Arrival
When you arrive in the Bahamas, be prepared to present the following:
- Passport valid for at least six months (if traveling by air)
- Passport or Passport Card if traveling by sea
- Driver’s license or other accepted ID if on a closed-loop cruise
- Return ticket showing your planned departure
- Proof of finances to support your stay
- A completed Bahamas Immigration card
Can A Felon Go To The Bahamas On A Cruise?
Felons who have completed all sentencing requirements can take a cruise to the Bahamas. For a closed-loop cruise (one that starts and ends at the same U.S. port), you won’t even need a passport.
A government-issued photo ID compliant with REAL ID standards and your birth certificate to confirm your nationality are all you need.
What is Real ID: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id
Be Aware: Felons Must Check Cruise Line Policies
Cruise lines sometimes run background checks on passengers, primarily looking for violent felonies or sex offenses. While this isn’t true for all cruise lines, it’s something to keep in mind before you book your tickets.
While the Bahamas itself may not impose strict restrictions on travelers with felony convictions (other than sex offenders and those on probation or parole), cruise lines often have their own policies.
Before booking, confirm whether you’re eligible for a refund if denied boarding due to a background check.
Can Felons Sail Their Own Boat to the Bahamas?
If you’re planning to travel to the Bahamas on your own boat, the Bahamian government does not ask about criminal history when issuing a cruising permit. The primary focus is on your vessel, travel plans, and the identification of everyone onboard.
However, the Bahamas Immigration Department will check the documents you provide. For registered sex offenders or individuals flagged by Interpol, your status may already be known to Bahamian authorities
What do you need for a cruising permit?
- Your Vessel’s Documentation: Registration or documentation from your home country.
- Crew and Passenger Information: Names, nationalities, and passport numbers of everyone on board.
- Entry Fees: Fees vary depending on the size of your vessel and length of stay.